Bayesian inference of a negative quantity from positive measurement results

In this paper the Bayesian analysis is applied to assign a probability density to the value of a quantity having a definite sign. This analysis is logically consistent with the results, positive or negative, of repeated measurements. Results are used to estimate the atom density shift in a caesium fountain clock. The comparison with the classical statistical analysis is also reported and the advantages of the Bayesian approach for the realization of the time unit are discussed.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Metrologi

On the relation between plausibility logic and the maximum-entropy principle: a numerical study

What is the relationship between plausibility logic and the principle of maximum entropy? When does the principle give unreasonable or wrong results? When is it appropriate to use the rule `expectation = average'? Can plausibility logic give the same answers as the principle, and better answers if those of the principle are unreasonable? To try to answer these questions, this study offers a numerical collection of plausibility distributions given by the maximum-entropy principle and by plausibility logic for a set of fifteen simple problems: throwing dice.Comment: 24 pages of main text and references, 8 pages of tables, 7 pages of additional reference

On distinguishability, orthogonality, and violations of the second law: contradictory assumptions, contrasting pieces of knowledge

Two statements by von Neumann and a thought-experiment by Peres prompts a discussion on the notions of one-shot distinguishability, orthogonality, semi-permeable diaphragm, and their thermodynamic implications. In the first part of the paper, these concepts are defined and discussed, and it is explained that one-shot distinguishability and orthogonality are contradictory assumptions, from which one cannot rigorously draw any conclusion, concerning e.g. violations of the second law of thermodynamics. In the second part, we analyse what happens when these contradictory assumptions comes, instead, from _two_ different observers, having different pieces of knowledge about a given physical situation, and using incompatible density matrices to describe it.Comment: LaTeX2e/RevTeX4, 18 pages, 6 figures. V2: Important revisio

Stray capacitances in the watt balance operation: electrostatic forces:Paper

In a watt balance, stray capacitances exist between the coil and the magnet. Since the electric current flowing in the coil originates a difference between the coil and magnet electric-potentials, their electrostatic interactions must be taken into account. This paper reports the results of a finite element analysis of the forces acting on the coil.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figures, submitted to Metrologi